I just earned a new certification. I am a ‘Certified Family Dog Mediator!’ This is an important accomplishment for me in my dog training career.  I got into this field because I wanted to make a positive difference in the lives of others, to improve their quality of life and strengthen the relationships that give their life meaning. To that end, it is a priority to me to expand my own knowledge so that I am better equipped to help others. The Family Dog Mediator certification is a perfect next step for me!

Family Dog Mediation is developed by world renowned Applied Ethologist Kim Brophey, FDM, CDBC, CPDT-KA, and focused on Kim’s L.E.G.S. model that encompasses four primary elements making up the WHOLE dog. Those elements include a dog’s Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self.

LEARNING refers to far more than intentional dog training. It is looking at your dog’s life experiences and what those experiences have taught him. As examples – What positive and negative associations does your dog have with pieces of his world? What behaviors and habits are working for your dog? What has his past training looked like?

ENVIRONMENT includes the many aspects of your dog’s world. There is a lot to look at here such as where the dog spends much of his day, the home setting, the relationships with other pets and people, the triggers present in daily living.

GENETICS asks what inherited genes may be influencing your dog’s natural behavior tendencies. Are events in your dog’s ENVIRONMENT triggering genetic responses? Are those genes and instincts matched with his current habitat and lifestyle?  Are natural communications being misunderstood?

SELF looks at the individual dog in front of you and factors that could be impacting his behavior such as health, age, sex, and preferences.

I have always been someone who looks at the needs and wants of both the pet and the owner/caregiver when I get involved with families. Earning the Family Dog Mediator Certification has given me a much deeper knowledge base to help me more effectively do that.

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